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Deborah Douglas, the owner and certified yoga instructor at Yoga Mix Studio, began her yoga journey in 1974, but she wouldn’t begin teaching until much later. In the interim, she achieved a sixth-degree black belt in shorin ryu karate, and began to teach that style until she retired in 2007. But the desire to teach still burned within her, so she became yoga certified and opened her own studio, where she leads Hatha and Raja yoga classes that help students grow both spiritually and physically. Along with Greg Illich, who teaches tai chi classes, she also leads Zumba classes and meditation sessions.

Over the past two decades, Jamela Rodriguez has channeled her passion for fitness into a career. Today, armed with experience teaching yoga, aerobics, and a variety of group fitness classes, she helps her clients set and achieve their fitness goals, which could include losing weight, gaining muscle, or adopting healthy eating habits.

Dahn Yoga integrates Korean Taoist philosophies and holistic Korean Oriental medicine into a form of yoga that strives to forge stronger connections between mind and body. The certified instructors at Dahn Yoga adhere to these ancient practices and help students of all ages and fitness levels develop core strength, which, according to Dahn philosophy, is the basis of physical, mental, and spiritual health. Through classes, private lessons, and workshops, students learn to link postures with breath control, ultimately developing greater bodily awareness. Besides improving flexibility, strength, and posture, instructors also emphasize the brain's role in overall well-being. They lead brain exercises that challenge and sharpen the mind to develop more productive habits and levitate pennies out of mall fountains.
Dahn Yoga's founder, Ilchi Lee, also built a comprehensive brain-development program—called Brain Education—from the principles upon which Dahn Yoga is founded. Combining physical, emotional, and cognitive exercises with guided imagery and games, Dahn Yoga's instructors develop emotional control, improve communication between the brain's hemispheres, and inspire guests take decisive action. This program has five progressive steps that can be applied to a dedicated yoga practice as well as everyday life.

At each of its 31 area locations, the YMCA of Greater Houston pursues a mission to bring health, wellness, and personal growth to communities. Kids leap into activities ranging from swim lessons and youth sports to a teen Youth & Government program that stirs up confidence and leadership abilities in students, preparing them for mudslinging student-council campaigns.
Zumba, ballroom dance, and Les Mills group exercise classes shake up adult workout routines, as complimentary childcare frees up parents to pursue fitness goals. Meanwhile, adult sport leagues such as basketball and racquetball result in friendly competition and hyper-literate team names inspired by obscure philosophers.